JPH10211172A - Elastic modulus measuring device, palpation device, elastic modulus measuring method and pulse wave measuring method for blood vessel - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an elastic modulus measuring device simply determing the elastic modulus of a matter. SOLUTION: When a subject mounts a pulse wave detecting part 9 to the finger tip part of his finger to pressurize a pressure sensor 110, a CPU 4 obtains the DC component of a photodetective signal LS and stores it in a calibration table 50 while corresponding with a pressure level. After this, the CPU 4 calculates each threshold value to be reference at the time of grading pressing force based on the maximum value P max of the pressure level and the table 50 and houses it in a pressurizing information threshold value table 51. Then pressurizing information OJ is generated by referring to the table 51. In addition, displacing information X at the time of pressurizing is calculated by double- integrating acceleration information AJ from an acceleration sensor. After this, the CPU 4 calculates elastic modules K1 based on pressure information OJ and displacing information X.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an elastic modulus measuring device for detecting an elastic modulus of an object when a person presses the object with a finger, a palpation device relating to a living body detection site using the same, and a blood vessel for a blood vessel. The present invention relates to an elastic modulus measuring method and a pulse wave measuring method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in people's health, and attempts have been made to improve the conventional diet and prevent arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is caused by the loss of elasticity of blood vessels due to the attachment of cholesterol to the inner wall of blood vessels.

[0005] In pulse diagnosis in Oriental medicine, a doctor presses a radial artery with a finger, and diagnoses the condition of a living body based on a pulse felt by the finger. Typical pulse waveforms include a flat pulse, a smooth pulse, and a chord. Ping mai is a pattern of a "heap", that is, a normal healthy person, and is characterized by a slow and relaxed rhythm and a constant rhythm with little disturbance. On the other hand, the synovial vein is caused by an abnormal blood flow state, and the vein traffic is extremely smooth and smooth due to diseases such as edema, hepatorenal disease, respiratory disease, gastrointestinal disease, and inflammatory disease. In addition, the chord vein is caused by tension and aging of the blood vessel wall, and appears in diseases such as hepatobiliary disease, skin disease, hypertension, and painful disease. This is considered to be due to the fact that the elasticity of the blood vessel wall was reduced and the effect of the pulsation of the pumped blood became less apparent. The waveform of the pulse vein is characterized by rising rapidly, not falling immediately, and maintaining a high pressure state for a certain period of time. The feel of the finger is a straight, long pulse. In this pulse diagnosis, the doctor detects the above-mentioned arteriosclerosis as a chord vein.

[0004]

However, since pulse diagnosis is to diagnose the state of a living body by the subtle tactile sensation felt by a human finger as described above, it is necessary to convey and learn such skills from humans. Is difficult and its skill takes a long time. On the other hand, a method is known in which the amount of cholesterol in the collected blood is measured and used as an indicator of arteriosclerosis.However, this method requires a long time to analyze blood components and requires a large-scale apparatus. There is a problem that is.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and provides an elastic coefficient measuring apparatus for measuring the elastic coefficient of a blood vessel as an index of arteriosclerosis and the elastic coefficient of each main object with a simple configuration. The purpose is to do.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an elastic modulus measuring apparatus for detecting an elastic modulus of an object, wherein light is applied to a fingertip of a finger. Light receiving signal detecting means for receiving light obtained when irradiating and detecting a light receiving signal; the light receiving signal when pressure is not applied to the fingertip; and a maximum pressure applied to the fingertip. Based on the received light signal at the time of thresholding, a threshold calculating means for calculating a threshold that is a reference when grading the received light signal, a threshold table storing the threshold, and comparing the received light signal with the threshold. Pressing information generating means for quantifying the pressing force of the fingertip by grading the light receiving signal; motion detecting means for detecting the movement of the fingertip; Part of the object Is pressed, the fingertip detects that the fingertip has touched the object, and displacement information indicating the movement distance of the fingertip from the detection time to the current time is calculated based on the output of the motion detection means. And an elastic coefficient calculating means for calculating an elastic coefficient of the object based on the pressing information and the displacement information at the measurement time.

Further, in the invention according to claim 2,
In an elastic modulus measuring device for measuring an elastic modulus of an object, light receiving signal detecting means for receiving light obtained when light is applied to a fingertip of a finger and detecting a light receiving signal, the light receiving signal and the finger Calibration table pre-stored the relationship of the pressure applied to the tip, the light reception signal when pressure is not applied to the fingertip and the light reception signal when maximum pressure is applied to the fingertip A threshold calculating unit that calculates a threshold that is used as a reference when grading the light receiving signal, in correspondence with the relationship between the light receiving signal stored in the calibration table and the pressure applied to the fingertip, Pressing information generation that generates a pressing information by quantifying the pressing force of the fingertip by grading the light receiving signal by comparing the received light signal with the threshold value by storing the threshold table. Step, motion detection means for detecting the movement of the fingertip, when the object is pressed by the fingertip, detects that the fingertip touched the object, the current time from the detection time A displacement information calculating unit that calculates displacement information indicating a moving distance of the fingertip until time based on an output of the motion detecting unit; and the object based on the pressing information and the distance information at a measurement time. And an elastic coefficient calculating means for calculating the elastic coefficient.

[0008] Further, in the invention according to claim 3,
The threshold value calculating means calculates a threshold value which is a reference when grading the light receiving signal based on the DC level of the light receiving signal, and the pressing information generating means calculates the DC level of the light receiving signal and the threshold value. In comparison, by grading the light receiving signal, pressure information in which the pressing force of the fingertip is quantified is generated. Further, in the invention according to claim 4, the threshold value calculating means calculates a threshold value as a reference when grading the received light signal based on the amplitude level of the received light signal,
The pressure information generation unit compares the amplitude level of the light reception signal with the threshold value, and grades the light reception signal to generate pressure information quantifying the pressure of the fingertip. And

Further, in the invention according to claim 5,
The threshold value calculating means calculates a threshold value used as a reference when grading the light receiving signal based on a ratio between the DC level and the amplitude level of the light receiving signal, and the pressing information generating means calculates the DC level of the light receiving signal. And comparing the threshold value with the ratio of the amplitude level and the threshold value, and grading the light receiving signal to generate pressing information in which the pressing force of the fingertip is quantified. Further, in the invention according to claim 6, further comprising a reference displacement information storage means for storing predetermined reference displacement information, wherein the elastic coefficient calculating means compares the displacement information with the reference displacement information. The time when the displacement information reaches the reference displacement information is defined as the measurement time.

[0010] In the invention according to claim 7,
In an elastic modulus measuring device for measuring an elastic modulus of an object, light receiving signal detecting means for receiving light obtained when light is applied to a fingertip of a finger and detecting a light receiving signal, the light receiving signal and the finger Calibration table pre-stored the relationship of the pressure applied to the tip, the light reception signal when pressure is not applied to the fingertip and the light reception signal when maximum pressure is applied to the fingertip A pressure information generation unit that associates the light receiving signal stored in the calibration table with a relationship between the pressure applied to the fingertip and outputs pressure information indicating a pressing force, and the movement of the fingertip. Motion detecting means for detecting, when the object is pressed by the fingertip, detects that the fingertip touches the object, and moves the fingertip from the detection time to the current time. The displacement information indicating the motion detection A displacement information calculating unit that calculates based on an output of a step; and an elastic coefficient calculating unit that calculates an elastic coefficient of the object based on the pressing information and the displacement information at a measurement time. .

Further, in the invention according to claim 8,
Reference pressure information storage means for storing predetermined reference pressure information, wherein the elasticity coefficient calculating means compares the pressure information from the pressure information generation means with the reference pressure information, and the pressure information is the reference The time at which the pressure information is reached is defined as the measurement time, and the displacement information at the measurement time is graded with a predetermined threshold to calculate the elastic coefficient of the object.

[0012] In the invention according to claim 9,
The motion detecting means includes an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration information of the fingertip, and the displacement information calculating means calculates the displacement information based on the acceleration information. Further, according to the invention as set forth in claim 10, the movement detecting means comprises a speed sensor for detecting speed information of the fingertip, and the displacement information calculating means is configured to perform the displacement based on the speed information. It is characterized by calculating information.

[0013] Further, in the invention according to claim 11, the displacement information calculating means stores a reference level indicating a level of the light receiving signal when the fingertip touches the object. Level detecting means, and comparing means for comparing the level of the light receiving signal from the light receiving signal detecting means with the reference level, wherein the time when the level of the light receiving signal reaches the reference level is defined as the detection time. It is characterized by.

Further, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the light receiving signal detecting means has a wavelength of 300 nm to 7 nm.
It is characterized in that the fingertip is irradiated with light of 00 nm, the reflected light is received, and a light receiving signal is detected.

Further, in the invention according to the thirteenth aspect, the light receiving signal detecting means has a wavelength of 600 nm to 1 nm.
000 nm light is applied to the fingertip, and the transmitted light is received to detect a light receiving signal. The invention according to claim 14 is characterized in that a notifying means for notifying the elastic coefficient calculated by the elastic coefficient calculating means is provided. Further, in the invention according to claim 15, a palpation device using an elastic modulus measuring device, wherein a living body is detected by a fingertip of a finger provided with the light receiving signal detecting means and the motion detecting means. A part is pressed, and the elastic coefficient calculating means calculates an elastic coefficient relating to the detected part of the living body based on the pressing information and the displacement information at the measurement time.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for measuring the elasticity coefficient of a blood vessel using an elasticity coefficient measuring device, wherein a finger of a finger provided with the light receiving signal detecting means and the motion detecting means. A blood vessel is pressed from above the skin with the apex, and the elastic coefficient calculating means calculates an elastic coefficient of the blood vessel based on the pressing information and the displacement information at the measurement time. Claim 17
In the invention described in the above, in a pulse wave measuring method using an elastic modulus measuring device, at the fingertip of the finger provided with the light receiving signal detecting means and the motion detecting means, a blood vessel from above the skin Pressing, the elastic coefficient calculating means calculates the elastic coefficient of the blood vessel based on the pressing information and the displacement information at the measurement time, and detects a time change of the elastic coefficient of the blood vessel as a pulse wave waveform. It is characterized by the following.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A. Principle of Elastic Modulus Detection Prior to the description of the embodiment, first, the principle of elastic modulus detection in the present invention will be described in terms of blood flow detection and elastic modulus index. 1. When a thin film is irradiated with light, the ratio of incident light to transmitted light decreases by an amount proportional to the concentration of the substance and the optical path length. This is well known as Lambert-Beer's law.

According to this law, the concentration of a substance is determined as follows. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating Lambert-Beer's law. As shown in FIG. 11A, the concentration of the substance M is C, the minute optical path length is ΔL, and the light quantity of the incident light is I.
When in and the extinction coefficient of the substance M are k, the following equation is established. Iout / Iin = 1−kCΔL (1)

Here, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), if the optical path length is increased by a factor of 5, the relationship of equation (1) changes as follows. Iout / Iin = (1−kCΔL) ⁵ (2)

This is because, for example, when the incident light amount Iin shown in FIG. 11A is 10 and the transmitted light amount is 9, in the case shown in FIG. 5.9, that is, Iout /
It is to become a Iin = 0.9 ^5.

Therefore, the relationship between the amount of incident light and the amount of transmitted light with respect to an arbitrary distance L is obtained by integrating equation (1), and log (Iout / Iin) = (− kCL) (3) ). By transforming this equation (3), Iout = Iin × exp (−kCL) (4)

As can be seen, if the incident light amount Iin, the extinction coefficient k, and the optical path length L are constant, the transmitted light amount Iou
By measuring t, the change in the concentration of the substance M can be measured. Further, even if the reflected light reflected by the substance M is measured instead of the transmitted light amount, the change in the concentration of the substance M can be measured on the same principle as in the case described above. When the substance M is blood, measuring the concentration change means measuring blood pulsation, that is, measuring blood flow.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a distribution of absorbance when light is radiated from outside to a blood vessel portion of a person.
In this figure, I ₂ is a light absorption component due to tissue, I ₃ is a light absorption component due to venous blood, and I ₄ is a light absorption component due to arterial blood. Here, the light absorption component I ₂ by the tissue is constant because the tissue concentration does not change. In addition, light absorption component I due to venous blood I
_{3 is} also constant. This is because there is no pulsation in the vein and no change in concentration. FIG. 13 is a graph showing an example of blood pressure in each part of the body. As you can see from this figure,
The pulsation of the blood pumped from the heart gradually disappears as it travels through the body, and disappears completely in the veins.
On the other hand, the absorbance of the light absorption component I ₄ (see FIG. 12) due to arterial blood changes because there is a concentration change corresponding to the pulse.
Thus, the blood vessel is irradiated with light, measuring the light amount of the transmitted light or reflected light, there would contain the components I ₂ ~I _4. Assuming that the sum of the light absorption component I ₃ due to venous blood and the light absorption component I ₄ due to arterial blood is 100%, the ratio of the light absorption component I ₄ due to arterial blood occupying there is 1%.
% Was 2%, the remaining 98% to 99% it is absorption component I ₃ due to venous blood.

2. The modulus of elasticity of the index is obtained by dividing the pressing force by the displacement.
When a person presses an object with a fingertip, the internal pressure of the finger increases and the blood flow decreases, so that a change in the blood flow has a constant relationship with the pressing force. Therefore, the elastic coefficient of the object can be obtained based on the blood flow and the displacement. In this case, light absorption component I ₂ by tissue, since tissue concentration does not change much before and after the pressing, it can be regarded as substantially constant, absorption component I ₄ due to absorption component I ₃ and arterial by venous blood, blood flow is reduced To change. The present invention has been made by focusing on this point, and indirectly measures the pressing force by irradiating the blood vessel with light, receiving the reflected light, and measuring the change in the amount of light, and based on this and the displacement. Is used to calculate the elastic modulus.

The received light quantity includes a venous blood component corresponding to the venous blood flow volume and an arterial blood component corresponding to the arterial blood flow volume. Therefore, the DC component of the received light amount is the sum of the average value of the arterial blood component and the venous blood component, and the AC component of the received light amount is the amplitude value of the arterial blood component. Here, since the arterial blood component is synchronized with the heartbeat, the AC component varies depending on the psychological state of the subject. For example, in a nervous state, the heart rate becomes stronger, so that the AC component tends to increase, and conversely, in a relaxed state, the AC component tends to decrease. On the other hand, the venous blood component is not affected by the psychological state of the subject, but fluctuates depending on the environmental temperature of the subject. Therefore, the DC component fluctuates in summer and winter or day and night.

As described above, the light absorption component I ₃ due to venous blood is approximately 50 to 10 times the light absorption component I ₄ due to arterial blood.
Since it is 0 times, the arterial blood component in the DC component of the received light amount is extremely small. Therefore, if the DC component of the amount of received light is used as an index of the pressing force, the pressing force can be measured without being affected psychologically. Further, since the signal can be detected at a large level as compared with the AC component, the S / N is good. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the DC component of the amount of received light is used as an index of the pressing force.

B. Functional Configuration Next, the functional configuration of each embodiment described below will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an elastic modulus measuring apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, f1
Is a light-receiving signal detecting means for detecting a light-receiving signal by receiving reflected light obtained when light is applied to a fingertip of a finger. F2 is a threshold value calculating means, based on the light receiving signal when pressure is not applied to the fingertip and the light receiving signal when maximum pressure is applied to the fingertip, A threshold that is a reference when grading the light receiving signal is calculated. The threshold value calculating means f2 refers to the calibration table f9 in which the relationship between the light reception signal and the pressure applied to the fingertip is stored in advance, and the light reception signal when the pressure is not applied to the fingertip and the light reception signal When the light receiving signal when the maximum pressure is applied to the fingertip is associated with the relationship between the light receiving signal stored in the calibration table and the pressure applied to the fingertip, and the light receiving signal is graded. May be calculated.

F3 is a threshold value table which stores the threshold value calculated by the threshold value calculating means f2. Further, f4 is a pressing information generating unit that compares the light receiving signal with the threshold value and grades the light receiving signal to generate pressing information in which the pressing force of the fingertip is quantified.

F5 is a motion detecting means for detecting the motion of the fingertip. Further, f6 is a displacement information calculating means for calculating the displacement of the fingertip. For example, when the object is pressed by the fingertip, it is detected that the fingertip has touched the object, and the displacement information indicating the moving distance of the fingertip from the detection time to the current time is used as the movement. It is calculated based on the output of the detecting means. F7 is an elastic coefficient calculating unit that calculates the elastic coefficient of the object based on the pressing information and the displacement information at the measurement time. In addition,
The elastic coefficient calculating means f7 is provided with a reference displacement information storing means f10.
, The displacement information may be compared with the reference displacement information, and a time at which the displacement information reaches the reference displacement information may be set as the measurement time. Further, the elastic modulus calculating means f7 includes a reference pressing information storing means f.
11, the pressing information may be compared with the reference pressing information with reference to the reference pressing information stored, and a time at which the displacement information reaches the reference displacement information may be set as the measurement time.

F8 is a notifying means for notifying the elasticity coefficient calculated by the elasticity coefficient calculating means f7. This allows the user to know the elastic modulus of the object.

C. First Embodiment 1. First Embodiment Configuration of First Embodiment Hereinafter, a configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1-1: External Configuration of First Embodiment FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of an elastic coefficient measurement device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the elastic modulus measuring device includes a device main body 100 having a wristwatch structure,
It comprises a cable 101 connected to the apparatus main body 100 and the detection unit 1.

A wristband 103 which is wound around the wrist of the user from the 12 o'clock direction of the wristwatch and fixed at the 6 o'clock direction of the wristwatch is attached to the apparatus main body 100. The apparatus main body 100 is detachable from a user's arm by the wristband 103. Wristband 10
The pressure sensor 110 is provided on the side of the device body 100 in the direction of 12:00 of the wristwatch. The pressure sensor 110 has a sheet-like shape, and is configured by combining a pressure-sensitive conductive material and an electrode.

The detecting unit 1 is provided with a sensor unit 102
And a ring-shaped sensor fixing band 104, which is attached to the fingertip of the finger. The sensor unit 102 houses an acceleration sensor 9 and a pulse wave detection unit 10 in which a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit are integrated (both are not shown). In this case, the sensor unit 102
Is located on the fingernail, so that it does not interfere with touching or grasping an object with a finger ball. Therefore, according to this example, it is possible to detect the elastic coefficient of the target object with a natural feeling.

On the other hand, on the front side of the wristwatch at 6 o'clock,
A connector section 105 is provided. This connector part 1
At 05, a connector piece 106 provided at the end of the cable 101 is detachably attached, and by detaching the connector piece 106 from the connector section 105,
This device can be used as a normal wristwatch or stopwatch. Further, a communication connector (not shown) with a personal computer can be connected to the connector section 105. The communication connector incorporates an LED and a phototransistor. Further, an infrared interface unit for optical communication is provided inside the apparatus main body 100 of the wristwatch as described later. In order to protect the connector 105, the cable 1
01 and the sensor unit 102 are detached from the connector section 105, a predetermined connector cover is attached. As the connector cover, a component having the same configuration as that of the connector piece 106 except for an electrode portion and the like is used.

According to the connector structure configured as described above, the connector portion 105 is arranged on the near side as viewed from the user, and the operation is simplified for the user. Also, since the connector section 105 does not protrude from the apparatus main body 100 in the direction of 3 o'clock of the wristwatch, the user can freely move the wrist even during exercise, and even if the user falls down during use, the back of the hand Does not hit the connector section 105.

The apparatus main body 100 includes a watch case 107 made of resin. On the surface of the watch case 107, a liquid crystal display unit 108 for digitally displaying the elasticity coefficient in addition to the current time and date is provided. The liquid crystal display unit 108 includes first to third segment display areas (not shown) and dot display areas. The first segment area displays the date, the day of the week, the current time, and the like, the second segment area displays the elapsed time when various time measurements are performed, and the third segment area displays the elasticity. Various measurement values measured in the measurement of the coefficient are displayed. Further, various information can be graphically displayed in the dot display area, and various modes such as a mode display indicating what mode the apparatus is in at a certain time, a pulse wave waveform display, a bar graph display, and the like. Display is possible. The modes referred to here include a mode for setting the time and date, a mode for use as a stopwatch, an elastic coefficient detection mode for use as an elastic coefficient measuring device, and the like.

1-2: Electrical Configuration of First Embodiment Next, the electrical configuration of the elastic modulus measuring device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the elastic modulus measuring device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, 2, 3, 11
Denotes an A / D converter, which converts a light receiving signal LS from the pulse wave detector 9, a pressure signal PS from the pressure sensor 110, and an acceleration signal AS from the acceleration sensor 10 into digital data. . In this example, the light receiving signal LS converted to digital data is light receiving level information LJ, the pressure signal PS converted to digital data is pressure information PJ, and the acceleration signal AS converted to digital data is acceleration information. It is called AJ. Since the DC component of the light receiving level information LJ, which is an index of the pressing force, is a relative value, the pressure sensor 110 does not have to be strict as to detect the absolute value, but only needs to detect the relative value.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which controls each part of the apparatus via a bus. 5 is RA
M (random access memory) and press information OJ
, A pressing information threshold table 51 used for grading the pressing information OJ to obtain an elastic coefficient, and a data register 52 for storing various data. In addition,
The CPU 4 calculates a threshold value as a reference when generating the pressing information OS by grating the light receiving signal LS, and generates the pressing information OS using the threshold value. Further, the CPU 4 double-integrates the acceleration information AJ to generate displacement information X, and calculates an elastic coefficient based on the displacement information X and the pressing information OJ. Reference numeral 6 denotes a ROM (Read Only Memory), which includes a control program used in the CPU 4 and reference displacement information Xr for specifying a measurement time.
Is stored. Reference numeral 7 denotes a display control circuit, which displays an elastic coefficient and time information on the liquid crystal display unit 108 based on display data transferred by the CPU 4. Reference numeral 8 denotes an infrared interface unit, which is a personal computer PC
Communicates with

Here, the relationship between the above-described functional configuration (see FIG. 1) and the configuration of the first embodiment will be described. First, the pulse wave detector 9 corresponds to the light reception signal detector f1. Also,
The CPU 4 generates the threshold value, the pressing information, the displacement information, and the elasticity coefficient.
2. It corresponds to the pressing information generating means f4, the displacement information detecting means f6, and the elastic coefficient calculating means f7, respectively. Further, since a threshold value for generating the pressing information is stored in the pressing information threshold table 51, the pressing information threshold table 51 corresponds to the threshold table f3. Further, the calibration table 50 corresponds to the calibration table f9, and the liquid crystal display unit 108 includes a notifying unit f8.
Is equivalent to Since the ROM 6 stores the reference displacement information Xr, the ROM 6 stores the reference displacement information storage means f.
Equivalent to 10.

1-3: Configuration of Pulse Wave Detection Unit The detailed configuration of the pulse wave detection unit 9 will be described with reference to the circuit diagram shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the resistor R1 and the LED correspond to a light emitting unit, and the resistor R2 and the phototransistor PT correspond to a light receiving unit. When the power supply voltage Vcc is applied to the pulse wave detector 9, light is emitted from the LED, reflected by blood vessels and tissues, and then received by the phototransistor PT. When the amount of received light increases, the phototransistor PT
Base current increases, and its collector voltage (light receiving signal L
S level). Here, the emission wavelength of the LED is selected near the absorption wavelength peak of hemoglobin in blood. Therefore, the light receiving level changes according to the blood flow,
The blood flow changes according to the pressure applied to the finger. Therefore, by detecting the light receiving level information LJ,
Press information OS when a person presses an object can be detected.

As the LED, an InGaN-based (indium-gallium-nitrogen-based) blue LED is preferable. The emission spectrum of the blue LED is, for example, 450 nm.
And the emission wavelength range is from 350 nm to 600 nm. In this case, a GaAsP (gallium-arsenic-phosphorus) phototransistor PT may be used as the phototransistor PT corresponding to the LED having such light emission characteristics. In the light receiving wavelength region of the phototransistor PT, for example, the main sensitivity region is in a range from 300 nm to 600 nm, and there is a sensitivity region even at 300 nm or less.

When such a blue LED and the phototransistor PT are combined, 30
A pulse wave is detected in a wavelength range from 0 nm to 600 nm. In this case, there are the following advantages.

First, among the light contained in the external light, light having a wavelength region of 700 nm or less tends to hardly pass through the tissue of the finger, so that the external light is not covered with the sensor fixing band 104. Even if the portion is irradiated, only light in a wavelength region that does not affect detection does not reach the phototransistor PT via the finger tissue, and reaches the phototransistor PT. On the other hand, light in a wavelength region lower than 300 nm is almost absorbed by the skin surface, so that the light receiving wavelength region is 700 nm.
Even below, the substantial light receiving wavelength range is 300 nm to
700 nm. Therefore, the influence of external light can be suppressed without covering the finger in a large scale.

The hemoglobin in blood has a wavelength of 3
The extinction coefficient for light from 00 nm to 700 nm is large, and is several times to about 100 times greater than the extinction coefficient for light having a wavelength of 880 nm. Therefore, as in this example, when light in a wavelength region (300 nm to 700 nm) having a large light absorption characteristic is used as detection light in accordance with the light absorption characteristic of hemoglobin, the detected value changes with high sensitivity according to a change in blood volume. The pulse wave signal S based on the change in blood volume.
/ N ratio can be increased.

When a finger is pressed, there is an individual difference in the relationship between the pressing force and the light receiving level information LJ. This will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the pressing force and the DC component of the light receiving level information LJ. The black triangle indicates the measurement result of a 21-year-old man (subject A), the open triangle indicates the measurement result of a 41-year-old man (subject B), and the black square indicates the measurement result of a 44-year-old male (subject C). The DC component of the light reception level information LJ is measured via a low-pass filter whose cutoff frequency is sufficiently low so as not to be affected by fluctuations in blood flow synchronized with arterial blood.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pressing value was 20 g / cm ²
From 200 to 200 g / cm ^{2, the} DC component related to the subject A changes from 1.8 V to 1.4 V, the DC component related to the subject B changes from 1.4 V to 0.95 V, and the subject C DC component is 1.0V to 0.6
It changes up to 5V. From this, it can be seen that the DC component of the received light level information LJ tends to decrease monotonically when the pressing value is increased, but that the variation range varies depending on the subject. That is, it can be said that there is an individual difference in the relationship between the pressing force and the light receiving level information LJ. This is the thickness of the blood vessels,
This is because the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, the elastic modulus of the tissue, and the like are different for each individual.

The reason why the DC component of the light receiving level information LJ monotonously decreases when the pressing value is increased is as follows. That is, when the finger is pressed, the internal pressure of the finger increases, the blood flow decreases, and accordingly, the absorption by hemoglobin decreases. For this reason, the amount of reflected light incident on the light receiving unit increases, and the light receiving level information LJ decreases.

Incidentally, as described above, the AC component of the received light level information LJ fluctuates depending on the psychological state of the subject.
Further, the DC component fluctuates depending on the environmental temperature of the subject and the like. Therefore, there is an intra-individual difference in the relationship between the pressing force and the light receiving level information LJ even for the same individual.

In this embodiment, the elastic modulus is grating based on the DC component of the light receiving level information LJ. As described above, the relationship between the pressing force and the light receiving level information LJ is different between individuals and between individuals. Exists, the pressing information OJ obtained here is relative. Also, when performing grating, some threshold is required,
As described above, there is an inter-individual difference and an intra-individual difference in the relationship between the pressing force and the light receiving level information LJ. Therefore, it is necessary to calibrate the light receiving level information LJ every time the pressing information OS is measured.
The pressure sensor 110 described above is provided for this purpose.

2. Operation of First Embodiment Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this example, it is assumed that the skin on the radial artery of the left wrist is pressed with the finger of the right hand wearing the sensor unit 102, and the elastic coefficient of the blood vessel is measured. FIG. 6 shows a state of pressing with a finger. As shown in FIG.
When the fingertip touches the skin above the radial artery D, the radial artery D is not deformed, but when a pressing force is applied, the radial artery D is deformed as shown in FIG. Here, if the arteriosclerosis of the radial artery D is advanced, the degree of deformation of the radial artery D is small even if the same pressing force is applied. On the other hand, when the degree of arteriosclerosis is small, the blood vessel is soft, and the radial artery D is greatly deformed.

Here, this point will be described using a mechanical equivalent circuit shown in FIG. In the figure, K1 is the elastic modulus of the radial artery D, K2 is the elastic modulus relating to the tissue from the radial artery D to the skin, X1 is the displacement of the radial artery D, X2
Is the displacement of the skin, and F is the pressing force. In the pulse diagnosis, a portion of the wrist where the radial artery D can be seen through the skin is set as the detection site, and therefore, the tissue between the radial artery D and the skin is small. Therefore, the value of K2 is very small compared to the value of K1, and the difference between X1 and X2 is very small.
Therefore, K2 can be ignored, and X1 = X
It may be 2. As a result, the elastic coefficient K1 of the blood vessel is calculated by the following equation. K1 = F / X2

The operation of the first embodiment will be described below step by step. Generation of Calibration Table In the elastic modulus measuring device shown in FIG.
Prior to performing the measurement, the calibration table 50 is generated. First, when the user operates the apparatus main body 100 to select the elastic modulus detection mode, the CPU 4 displays a message on the liquid crystal display unit 108 saying, "Wear the finger band and press the button when ready." Let it. When the user is prompted by the message, attaches the pulse wave detector 9 to the fingertip of the finger and presses the button, the CPU 4 detects the button operation, and then displays "Wristwatch is ready to go" on the liquid crystal display 108. Then press the button. "On the liquid crystal display unit 108.

When the user removes the apparatus main body 100 from his / her arm and presses the button in accordance therewith, the CPU 4 detects this and executes a digital filter operation to obtain its DC component from the received light level information LJ. Then, the DC component of the light reception level information LJ is stored in the data register 52.
In this case, since no pressure is applied to the finger, the DC component of the received light level information LJ indicates the maximum value Lmax. Thereafter, the CPU 4 displays a message “Please push the pad slowly with your finger.” On the liquid crystal display unit 108.
To be displayed. And the user is prompted by a message,
When the pressure sensor 110 is pressed by gradually putting a force on the finger,
The CPU 4 stores the relationship between the constantly changing pressure information PJ and the DC component of the light receiving level information LJ in the calibration table 50.

Generation of Pressing Information Threshold Table After a predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 4 causes the liquid crystal display unit 108 to display a message on the liquid crystal display unit 108 saying "Do you want to apply more force?" Thus, the user presses the pressure sensor 110 at the maximum pressure. At this time, the maximum value Pmax of the pressure level and the minimum value Lmin of the DC component
Are detected, and these values are stored in the data register 52.

Next, the CPU 4 reads the maximum value Pmax of the pressure level from the data register 52, divides the maximum value Pmax equally according to the number of gratings, and obtains the pressing information OJ.
Are determined. For example, the maximum value Pmax = 200 g /
cm ^2, and five levels of graying are performed, the threshold values of the pressing information OJ are 0, 40, 80, 120,
It becomes 160 g / cm ² .

Thereafter, the CPU 4 refers to the calibration table 50, obtains the light receiving level information LJ corresponding to each threshold of the pressing information OJ, and divides these values into the light receiving level information LJ.
Are stored in the pressing information threshold value table 51 as the respective threshold values.
That is, the light receiving level information LJ when no pressure is applied and the light receiving level information LJ when the maximum pressure is applied
J is associated with the relationship between the received light level information LJ stored in the calibration table 50 and the pressing force, and a threshold value as a reference when grading the received light level information LJ is obtained.

Calculation of Elastic Coefficient Next, the processing for calculating the elastic coefficient K1 of the radial artery D will be described. When the generation of the above-described pressing information threshold value table 51 is completed, the CPU 4 causes the liquid crystal display unit 108 to display a message “Please fix the main body to the arm with a band, and press the button.” When the user is prompted by the message, the user wraps the wristband 103 around his / her arm and
When 0 is fixed and the button is pressed, the CPU 4 detects this and causes the liquid crystal display unit 108 to display a message of “during measurement mode”.

Thereafter, when the user touches the skin on the radial artery D of the left hand with the fingertip of the right hand wearing the sensor unit 102, the CPU 4 detects this. Specifically, the CPU 4 converts the light receiving level information LJ into its maximum value Lma.
In comparison with x, the time t1 at which the light receiving level information LJ falls below the maximum value Lmax is detected as the time when the fingertip touches the skin on the radial artery D of the left hand. Then, the CPU 4 sets the time t
From 1, the double integration process of the acceleration information AJ is started to generate displacement information X. In this sense, the time when the fingertip touches the skin on the radial artery D is the detection time t1.

The radial artery D is deformed by the pressing force, but if the displacement X is too small, the measured displacement X
Of the radial artery D, the elastic coefficient K1 of the radial artery D cannot be accurately calculated. Further, if the displacement X is too large, the radial artery D is pressed against the radius, and the elastic coefficient K1 of the radial artery D cannot be calculated accurately. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a displacement at which the elastic coefficient K1 of the radial artery D can be appropriately detected is predetermined as the reference displacement information Xr, and the displacement X is determined as the reference displacement information Xr.
The elastic coefficient K1 is calculated at the time when coincidence is obtained.

More specifically, the CPU 4 compares the displacement information X with the reference displacement information Xr, and detects a time t2 at which the displacement information X matches the reference displacement information Xr. Then, referring to the pressing information threshold table 51 based on the light receiving level information LJ, the pressing information OJ at the time t2 is calculated.

Next, the CPU 4 sets "K1 = OJ / Xr"
Is calculated to find the elastic coefficient K1. In this case, since Xr is predetermined, if the threshold value stored in the pressing information threshold table 51 is set in consideration of Xr, the pressing information OJ
Can be treated as the elastic coefficient K1. Elastic coefficient K1
Is graded like the pressing information OJ,
In this example, there are five levels of grading. It is to be noted that the values of the elastic modulus K1 obtained by the grating are expressed as K11, K12,...

Next, the CPU 4 notifies the degree of arteriosclerosis based on the elastic coefficient K1. Specifically, if the elastic coefficient K1 is K11, it is “soft”, and if it is K12, it is “slightly soft”.
The measurement result is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 108 with characters such as "normal" for K13, "somewhat hard" for K14, and "hard" for K15. In this case, the display control circuit 7 associates the values of the elastic coefficient K1 with the values K11 to K15 "soft, slightly soft, ordinary, slightly hard, hard".
When the elastic coefficient K1 is transferred from the CPU 4, a character font corresponding to the value is output to the liquid crystal display unit 108.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the pressing information OJ is detected by using the pulse wave detector 9 attached to the fingertip, and when the predetermined reference displacement is reached, the pressing information OJ is reached.
Since the elastic coefficient K1 is calculated based on J and the reference displacement information Xr, the degree of arteriosclerosis can be known with a simple configuration.

Further, since the reference displacement information Xr is determined so that the elastic coefficient K1 of the radial artery D can be appropriately detected, fine adjustment is not required when the user presses the skin. Thereby, even a user who is not used to operating the device can easily measure the elasticity coefficient K1 and can know the degree of arteriosclerosis.

D. Second embodiment 1. Configuration of Second Embodiment The external configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Further, the electrical configuration of the second embodiment includes the contents stored in the ROM 6 and the data register 52,
3 except that the displacement information threshold table 51 ′ is used instead of the pressure information threshold table 51.
This is the same as the electrical configuration of the embodiment.

Hereinafter, differences will be described. In the first embodiment, the reference displacement information Xr is stored in advance in the ROM 6, and the reference displacement information Xr and the displacement information X are compared to detect that they match, and the pressing information O at this time is detected.
The elastic coefficient K1 of the radial artery D was calculated from J and the reference displacement information Xr.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the reference pressure information Pr is stored in the data register 52 instead of the reference displacement information Xr. The reference pressure information Pr is represented by the light receiving level information LJ, and is used to specify the measurement time t2. Specifically, the elastic coefficient K1 of the radial artery D is measured when the pressing force F against the skin matches the reference pressing information Pr. In this sense,
The data register 52 functions as a reference pressing information storage unit f11 (see FIG. 1).

In the measurement of the pressing force F based on the DC component of the pulse wave waveform, a change in the internal pressure of the finger is detected by the blood flow rate. This makes it difficult to accurately detect the pressing force F. On the other hand, as described above, the elastic coefficient K1 of the radial artery D is calculated based on the pressing force F and the displacement information X. Therefore, in order to accurately calculate the elastic coefficient K1, the pressing force F needs to be in a range where accurate measurement can be performed.

The above-described reference pressure information Pr is calculated in consideration of this. In this example, based on the maximum value of the pressing force measured when creating the calibration table 50, the CPU 4 obtains the light receiving level information LJ corresponding to the pressing force of 50%, and uses this as the reference pressing information. It is used as Pr.

Further, the displacement information threshold value table 51 'includes
A threshold for grading the displacement information X is stored. In this example, four thresholds are used to grade the displacement information X in five steps. Displacement information X
Is graded for the following reason. That is, the elasticity coefficient K1 is calculated by “K1 = F / X”. In the present embodiment, the pressing force F at the measurement time is constant. This is because the coefficient K1 can be grating.

2. Operation of Second Embodiment Hereinafter, an operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Generation of Calibration Table First, the calibration table 50 is created. However, since this operation is the same as in the first embodiment, the description is omitted here.

Generation of Reference Pressing Information The CPU 4 accesses the calibration table 50 and reads out the maximum value Lmax and the minimum value Lmin of the light receiving level information LJ.
An intermediate value L50% is calculated based on the following equation. L50% = (Lmax + Lmin) / 2 Then, the intermediate value L50% is stored in the data register 52 as the reference pressing information Pr.

Generation of Displacement Information Threshold Table Next, the CPU 4 calculates a threshold for grading the displacement information X based on each threshold of the elasticity coefficient K1 stored in the ROM 6 and the reference pressing information Pr. Is stored in the displacement information threshold value table 51 ′. In this case, each threshold value of the elastic coefficient K1 is selected so as to perform grading such as "soft, somewhat soft, ordinary, slightly hard, or hard". Here, the threshold value for determining “soft” and “slightly soft” is Ka, the threshold value for determining “slightly soft” and “normal” is Kb, and “normal”.
Assuming that a threshold value for determining “slightly hard” is Kc and a threshold value for determining “slightly hard” and “hard” is Kd,
The threshold values Xa, Xb,... Xd of the displacement information X are represented by Xa = Pr /
Ka, Xb = Pr / Kb, Xc = Pr / Kc, Xd = P
r / Kd is calculated by the CPU 4.

Calculation of Elastic Coefficient Next, the processing for calculating the elastic coefficient K1 of the radial artery D will be described. When the generation of the displacement information threshold table 51 'described above is completed, the CPU 4 displays on the liquid crystal display unit 108 "Please fix the main body to the arm with a band and press the button."
Is displayed. When the user is prompted by the message, the user wraps the wristband 103 around his / her arm and
When "00" is fixed and the button is pressed, the CPU 4 detects this and causes the liquid crystal display unit 108 to display a message "during measurement mode".

Thereafter, when the user touches the skin on the radial artery D of the left hand with the fingertip of the right hand wearing the sensor unit 102, the CPU 4 detects this. Specifically, the CPU 4 converts the light receiving level information LJ into its maximum value Lma.
In comparison with x, the time t1 at which the light receiving level information LJ falls below the maximum value Lmax is detected as the time when the fingertip touches the skin on the radial artery D of the left hand. Then, the CPU 4 sets the time t
From 1, the double integration process of the acceleration information AJ is started to generate displacement information X. In this sense, the time when the fingertip touches the skin on the radial artery D is the detection time t1.

Thereafter, when the radial artery D is gradually pressed by the fingertip, the CPU 4 compares the constantly changing light receiving level information LJ with the reference pressing information Pr (intermediate value L50%). To obtain displacement information X at the time of matching.
Next, the CPU 4 refers to the displacement information threshold value table 51, grades the acquired displacement information X, and generates an elastic coefficient K1. The grating elastic modulus K1 is represented as K11, K12,..., K15 in ascending order of value, as in the first embodiment.

Notification of Arteriosclerosis Next, the CPU 4 notifies the degree of arteriosclerosis based on the elasticity coefficient K1. Specifically, if the elastic coefficient K1 is K11, it is “soft”, and if it is K12, it is “slightly soft”.
The measurement result is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 108 with characters such as "normal" for K13, "somewhat hard" for K14, and "hard" for K15. In this case, the display control circuit 7 associates the values of the elastic coefficient K1 with the values K11 to K15 "soft, slightly soft, ordinary, slightly hard, hard".
When the elastic coefficient K1 is transferred from the CPU 4, a character font corresponding to the value is output to the liquid crystal display unit 108.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the pressing information OJ matches the reference pressing information Pr, the elastic force K1 of the radial artery D is measured, so that the pressing force F can be accurately measured. And the elastic modulus K1 can be measured with high accuracy.

E. Modifications The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and for example, various modifications described below are possible. (1) In the elastic modulus measuring device according to each of the above-described embodiments, the radial artery D has been described as an example of an elastic modulus measurement object, but the present invention is not limited to this, and what is The elastic modulus may be measured as an object. For example, a doctor performs palpation to press the patient's body,
In this case, the elastic modulus measuring device described above can be used as a palpation device. Specifically, the detected part of the living body of the patient is pressed by the fingertip of the finger provided with the light receiving signal detecting means and the movement detecting means, and the elastic coefficient calculating means calculates the elasticity based on the pressing information and the displacement information at the measurement time. Then, the elastic modulus of the detection site may be calculated. Thereby, the degree of swelling and stiffness of the affected part can be objectively known, and abdominal examination and the like can be performed more accurately. In addition, the elastic modulus measuring device can be applied to food-related fields.For example, it is possible to measure the elasticity of udon dough or buckwheat dough. You can also quantify what you were doing.

(2) In each of the above embodiments, the displacement information X is calculated by double integrating the acceleration information AJ detected by the acceleration sensor 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. The displacement information X may be directly detected by a potentiometer. Alternatively, a displacement sensor X may be calculated by using a speed sensor instead of the acceleration sensor 10 and integrating the speed information detected by the speed sensor.

(3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the acceleration sensor 10 is provided in the sensor unit 102 disposed on the nail (see FIG. 2), but as shown in FIG. The sensor unit 102 may be provided on the belly part of the part. In this case, as compared with each of the above-described embodiments, a natural feeling when touching an object is somewhat sacrificed, but the displacement information X can be accurately detected.

(4) In each of the embodiments described above, the displacement direction differs depending on the angle of the finger to be pressed, causing an error. However, the relationship between the actual displacement and the displacement detected by the sensor is stored in the correction table. The displacement information may be stored, and the displacement information may be corrected with reference to the correction table. Further, a correction formula may be used instead of the correction table. In this case, the coefficients of the correction formula are calculated by actual measurement so that the corrected displacement information is calculated by substituting the displacement information X.

(5) In each of the above embodiments,
The description has been made on the assumption that the DC component of the light reception level information LJ is a relative one, so that the pressure sensor 103 need not be strict. However, the light reception using the pressure sensor 103 that can accurately measure the pressure is performed. The relationship between the level information LJ and the pressing force may be stored in the calibration table 50 in advance, and the pressing information OJ may be detected as an absolute pressure.

(6) In each of the above embodiments,
The DC component of the received light level was used as an index of the pressing force.
Instead, an AC component having a light receiving level corresponding to the arterial blood component may be used. Specifically, the CPU 4 separates the high frequency component of the received light signal LS as an AC component, stores the relationship between the AC component and the pressing force in the calibration table 50, and generates the pressing information threshold table 51 based on this. Good. In this case, the pressing force can be quantified without being affected by the environment in which the subject is placed. Further, the ratio between the DC component and the AC component of the light receiving level may be used as an index of the pressing force. In this case, the ratio is calculated by the CPU 4, and the relationship between the ratio and the pressing force is stored in the calibration table 50,
The pressing information threshold table 51 may be generated based on this. Further, various indices, such as a DC component and an AC component of the light receiving level, may be appropriately combined and used. In other words, any index that is obtained based on the light receiving level may be used.

(7) Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the respective thresholds used as references when generating the pressing information OJ are calculated with reference to the calibration table 50. However, each threshold is calculated without referring to this. You may ask. In this case, the light receiving level information LJ (maximum value Lma) when no pressure is applied to the finger
x) and received light level information LJ when the maximum pressure is applied
(Minimum value Lmin) may be divided according to the number of required gratings, and these may be stored in the pressing information threshold table 51 as respective thresholds. In this modification, if the minimum value Lmin and the maximum value Lmax of the light reception level information LJ can be obtained, the pressing force can be graded. Therefore, the pressure sensor 110 is omitted, and the light reception level information LJ when no finger is pressed with the finger is used. May be detected as the maximum value Lmax, and the light receiving level information LJ when the object is pressed with the finger at the maximum pressure may be detected as the minimum value Lmin.

(8) In each of the above-described embodiments, the DC component of the received light level information LJ is determined by the CPU 4. However, the low-pass component between the pulse wave detector 9 and the A / D converter 2 is used. A filter may be provided to directly convert the DC component into a digital signal. When the AC component of the light receiving level information LJ is used as an index of the pressing force, a high-pass filter and an amplifier may be provided between the pulse wave detector 9 and the A / D converter 2. In this case, the dynamic range of the A / D converter 2 is effectively used, and a high S / D
In N, an AC component can be used as the pressing information OJ.

(9) In each of the above embodiments,
The CPU 4 calculated the elastic coefficient K1 of the radial artery D. By the way, since the elastic coefficient K1 is detected in a state where blood is flowing in the radial artery D, the elastic coefficient K1 includes not only a DC elastic coefficient including an average blood pressure in a blood vessel but also an internal pressure change caused by a blood flow. It has an ac-like elastic modulus. Therefore, the time change of the elastic coefficient K1 represents a pulse wave waveform, which may be detected by the CPU 4. In this case, the elastic coefficient K1 is not calculated only when the reference displacement information Xr and the reference displacement X match or when the reference pressing information Pr and the pressing information OS match. The detection of the elastic coefficient K1 may be continued during the period in which the fingertip is detected to be in contact with the skin on the basis of the fingertip, the AC component may be extracted by the CPU 4, and this may be output as a pulse waveform.

(10) In each of the above-described embodiments, the liquid crystal display unit 108 has been described as an example of a notifying unit. However, as a unit for notifying a person from a device, the following unit will be described. Is mentioned. It is considered appropriate to classify these means based on the five senses. In addition,
Of course, these means may be used alone or in combination of a plurality of means. And, as described below, for example, if a means that appeals other than visual is used, even a visually impaired person can understand the contents of the notification, and similarly, if a means that appeals other than hearing is used, Can be notified, and a device friendly to a user with a disability can be configured.

First, as a notification means appealing to hearing, there is a means for notifying the result of analysis of pulse wave, the result of diagnosis, and the like. For example, a buzzer, a piezoelectric element, and a speaker correspond. Further, as a special example, it is conceivable to provide a portable radio paging receiver to a person to be notified, and to call the portable radio paging receiver from the device side when performing the notification. In addition, when making a notification using these devices, there are many cases where it is desired not only to make a notification but also to transmit some information together. In such a case, the level of the information such as the volume shown below may be changed according to the content of the information to be transmitted. For example,
The pitch, volume, tone, voice, and music type (such as a song).

Next, the visual notification means is used for the purpose of notifying various messages and measurement results from the apparatus, or for giving a warning. The following devices can be considered as means for that. For example, a display device, a CRT (cathode ray tube display),
There are an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a printer, an XY plotter, a lamp, and the like. Note that there is a spectacle-type projector as a special display device. Further, in the notification, the following variations are conceivable. For example, there are digital display and analog display in the notification of numerical values, display by graphs, shading of display colors, bar graph display in the case of notifying numerical values as they are or by grading numerical values, pie graphs, face charts, and the like. Assuming six grades, the face chart is, for example,
This is shown in FIG. For example, when using the elastic modulus measuring device as a palpation device, the elastic modulus of the detection site is graded, and “stiff”, “slightly stiff”, “normal”, “slightly soft”, “soft” May be displayed on an LCD or the like. Also,
In this case, the symbol A corresponds to “stiff”, the symbol B to “slightly stiff”, the symbol C to “normal”, the symbol D to “slightly soft”, and the symbol E to “soft”. These symbols may be displayed on an LCD or the like.

Next, it is considered that the tactile notification means may be used for a warning purpose. There are the following means for that purpose. First, there is an electric stimulus for providing a shape memory alloy protruding from the back surface of a portable device such as a wristwatch and energizing the shape memory alloy. Further, there is a mechanical stimulus that is stimulated by the projection as a structure that allows a projection (for example, a needle that is not sharp) to be inserted into and removed from the back of a portable device such as a wristwatch. next,
The notification means for appealing to the sense of smell may be configured such that the device to be provided with a discharge mechanism for fragrance or the like, the content to be notified corresponds to the fragrance, and the fragrance is discharged in accordance with the content of the notification. By the way, a micropump or the like is most suitable for a mechanism for discharging a fragrance or the like.

(11) In each of the embodiments described above, the pulse wave detector 9 uses reflected light, but may use transmitted light. In this case, the pulse wave detector 9 may be configured, for example, as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5A, a light emitting unit 50 and a light receiving unit 51 are connected by a ring-shaped belt 52, and light emitted from the light emitting unit 50 passes through tissues and blood vessels at the fingertips and receives light. The light enters the unit 51. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the light emitting unit 50 and the light receiving unit 51 may be provided on the side surface of the fingertip. In this case, a ring 5
2, the light emitting unit 50 and the light receiving unit 51 are not located, so that the user can measure the elasticity coefficient while naturally feeling the tactile sensation of the object. In this case, since the irradiation light needs to pass through the tissue, the wavelength is 600 nm to
Desirably, it is 1000 nm.

[0093]

As described above, according to the present embodiment, various elastic coefficients can be measured in addition to the elastic coefficient of the blood vessel, which is an index of the arterial effect. In particular, the elastic modulus can be quantified even when the object to be measured is extremely soft, and furthermore, there is an advantage that the configuration is simple and no burden is imposed on the subject.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an elastic modulus measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an external configuration of the elastic modulus measurement device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the elastic modulus measuring device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a detailed configuration of a pulse wave detector 9 used in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the pressure measured for three subjects and the received light level.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of measuring an elastic coefficient of a blood vessel in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a mechanical equivalent circuit in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a mounting mode of a sensor unit in a modified example.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a face chart which is one mode of a notifying unit in a modified example.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a mounting mode of a pulse wave detection unit in a modified example.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing Lambert-Beer's law.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a distribution of absorbance when a blood vessel portion of a person is irradiated with light from outside.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing an example of blood pressure in each part of the body.

[Explanation of symbols]

4 CPU (threshold value calculating means, pressing information generating means, displacement information calculating means, elastic coefficient calculating means) 6 ROM (reference displacement information storing means) 9 pulse wave detecting section (light receiving signal detecting means) 10 acceleration sensor (motion detecting means) 50 Calibration Table 51 Press Information Threshold Table (Threshold Table) 52 Data Register (Reference Press Information Storage Means) LS Light Reception Signal AS Acceleration Information

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. An elastic modulus measuring device for detecting an elastic modulus of an object, wherein light receiving signal detecting means for receiving light obtained when light is applied to a fingertip of a finger and detecting a light receiving signal; Based on the light receiving signal when no pressure is applied to the fingertip and the light receiving signal when the maximum pressure is applied to the fingertip, a threshold serving as a reference when grading the light receiving signal And a threshold table storing the threshold, comparing the received light signal with the threshold, and grading the received light signal to quantify the pressing force of the fingertip. Press information generation means for generating information, movement detection means for detecting the movement of the fingertip, When the object is pressed by the fingertip, it is detected that the fingertip touched the object , This detection time From the displacement information calculating means to calculate the displacement information indicating the moving distance of the fingertip from the current time to the current time based on the output of the motion detecting means, based on the pressing information and the displacement information at the measurement time, An elastic coefficient measuring device comprising: an elastic coefficient calculating unit that calculates an elastic coefficient of the object. 2. An elastic modulus measuring device for measuring an elastic modulus of an object, wherein a light receiving signal detecting means for receiving light obtained when light is applied to a fingertip of a finger and detecting a light receiving signal; A calibration table in which the relationship between the light receiving signal and the pressure applied to the fingertip is stored in advance, and the light receiving signal when no pressure is applied to the fingertip and the maximum pressure is applied to the fingertip Threshold value calculating means for associating the light receiving signal with the relationship between the light receiving signal stored in the calibration table and the pressure applied to the fingertip, and calculating a threshold that is a reference when grading the light receiving signal And a threshold table storing the threshold value; comparing the received light signal with the threshold value; and grading the received light signal to generate pressing information quantifying the pressing force of the fingertip. Pressing information generating means, movement detecting means for detecting the movement of the fingertip, detecting that the fingertip touches the object when the fingertip presses the object, detecting this A displacement information calculating unit that calculates displacement information indicating a moving distance of the fingertip from a time to a current time based on an output of the motion detecting unit, based on the pressing information and the distance information at a measuring time. And an elastic coefficient calculating means for calculating an elastic coefficient of the object. 3. The threshold value calculating means calculates a reference value for grading the light receiving signal based on the DC level of the light receiving signal, and the pressing information generating means calculates a DC level of the light receiving signal. 3. The elastic modulus measurement according to claim 1, wherein by comparing the light receiving signal with the threshold value and grading the light receiving signal, pressure information quantifying the pressing force of the fingertip is generated. 4. apparatus. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the threshold value calculating means calculates a reference value for grading the light receiving signal based on the amplitude level of the light receiving signal. 3. The elastic modulus measurement according to claim 1, wherein by comparing the light receiving signal with the threshold value and grading the light receiving signal, pressure information quantifying the pressing force of the fingertip is generated. 4. apparatus. 5. The threshold value calculating unit calculates a threshold value that is a reference when grading the light receiving signal based on a ratio between a DC level and an amplitude level of the light receiving signal. By comparing the ratio between the DC level and the amplitude level of the received light signal and the threshold value, and grading the received light signal, the pressing information that quantifies the pressing force of the fingertip is generated. The elastic modulus measuring device according to claim 1. 6. An apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a reference displacement information storage unit configured to store predetermined reference displacement information, wherein the elastic coefficient calculating unit compares the displacement information with the reference displacement information, and the displacement information includes the reference displacement information. 2. The time at which the measurement time is reached is defined as the measurement time.
The elastic modulus measurement device according to any one of Items 1 to 5. 7. An elasticity coefficient measuring device for measuring an elasticity coefficient of an object, a light receiving signal detecting means for receiving light obtained when light is applied to a fingertip of a finger and detecting a light receiving signal; A calibration table in which the relationship between the light receiving signal and the pressure applied to the fingertip is stored in advance, and when the light receiving signal and the maximum pressure are applied to the fingertip when no pressure is applied to the fingertip The light receiving signal of, the light receiving signal stored in the calibration table and the relationship between the pressure applied to the fingertip,
Pressing information generating means for outputting pressing information indicating pressing force; movement detecting means for detecting the movement of the fingertip; pressing the object with the fingertip, the fingertip touches the object Displacement information calculating means for calculating the displacement information indicating the moving distance of the fingertip from the detection time to the current time based on the output of the motion detecting means, and the pressing information at the measurement time. An elastic modulus calculating unit for calculating an elastic modulus of the object based on the displacement information and the displacement information. 8. A reference pressure information storage means for storing predetermined reference pressure information, wherein the elasticity coefficient calculating means compares the pressure information from the pressure information generation means with the reference pressure information, The time when the pressing information reaches the reference pressing information is defined as the measurement time, and the displacement information at the measurement time is graded with a predetermined threshold to calculate an elastic coefficient of the object. 8. The elastic modulus measuring device according to 7. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the movement detecting means comprises an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration information of the fingertip, and the displacement information calculating means calculates the displacement information based on the acceleration information. The elastic modulus measuring device according to claim 1. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the movement detecting means comprises a speed sensor for detecting speed information of the fingertip, and the displacement information calculating means calculates the displacement information based on the speed information. The elastic modulus measuring device according to claim 1. 11. A reference level storage means for storing a reference level indicating a level of the light reception signal when the fingertip touches the object, wherein the displacement information calculation means comprises: 11. A comparing means for comparing a level of a light receiving signal with the reference level, wherein a time at which the level of the light receiving signal reaches the reference level is set as the detection time. 12. The elastic modulus measurement device according to claim 1. 12. The light receiving signal detecting means, wherein the wavelength is 30.
The elastic coefficient measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fingertip is irradiated with light having a wavelength of 0 nm to 700 nm, the reflected light is received, and a light reception signal is detected. 13. The light receiving signal detecting means, wherein the wavelength is 60
The elastic modulus measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fingertip is irradiated with light having a wavelength of 0 nm to 1000 nm, the transmitted light is received, and a light reception signal is detected. 14. The elastic coefficient measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying the elastic coefficient calculated by the elastic coefficient calculating unit. 15. A palpation device using the elastic modulus measuring device according to claim 1, wherein a fingertip of a finger provided with the light receiving signal detecting means and the motion detecting means. Then, the detection part of the living body is pressed, and the elastic coefficient calculating means calculates an elastic coefficient relating to the detection part of the living body based on the pressing information and the displacement information at the measurement time. Palpation device. 16. A method for measuring the elastic modulus of a blood vessel using the elastic modulus measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the finger includes the light receiving signal detecting means and the motion detecting means. By pressing the blood vessel from above the skin with the fingertip of the finger, the elastic coefficient calculating means calculates the elastic coefficient of the blood vessel based on the pressing information and the displacement information at the measurement time. Method for measuring elastic modulus of blood vessels. 17. A pulse wave measuring method using the elastic modulus measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the finger is provided with the light receiving signal detecting means and the motion detecting means. The blood vessel is pressed from above the skin with the apex, and the elastic coefficient calculating means calculates the elastic coefficient of the blood vessel based on the pressing information and the displacement information at the measurement time, and the elastic coefficient of the blood vessel. A pulse wave measuring method comprising detecting a time change of a pulse wave as a pulse wave waveform.